Combing operations in Orissa intensified to nab Maoists

Koratpur (Orissa), Apr 14 (ANI): With a view of preventing any further attacks by the Maoist rebels, Central forces on Tuesday intensified combing operations in Orissa's Koratpur District.

On Sunday night, around 200 heavily armed Maoists had launched a daring attack on the National Aluminium Company's (NALCO) bauxite mines in Koraput district.

The gunbattle between the ultras and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, which lasted for 10 hours, took the lives of 11 CISF men. Bodies of four Maoists, including a woman, were recovered.

The audacious attack, in which more than 100 mineworkers were taken hostage, has prompted the police force to initiate a joint operation to get rid of the Maoists in the area.

Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj informed that the security forces have recovered huge reserve of explosives and arms looted by the Maoists during their raid on the Nalco.

According to sources, security personnel found a van containing explosives, which had been driven away and abandoned at an isolated place by the ultras.

Also, about 230 boxes containing explosives were recovered by the security forces after a severe exchange of fire with the fleeing ultras.

However, it is suspected that the Naxals have been successful in taking away some amount of the explosives. (ANI)